Renewables hit a record 33.3% share of UK electricity supply last year, according to latest government data.

The total contribution in 2018 included a best-ever 17.1% of wind power, 9.1% from onshore turbines and 8% offshore.

When renewables and nuclear were combined into a low-carbon bloc, they supplied more than half of UK power with 52.8%.

Emma Pinchbeck, deputy chief executive of industry body RenewableUK, said: “These record breaking figures demonstrate the unstoppable momentum for renewables, with spectacular global cost reductions in onshore and offshore wind, as well as battery storage, being reported this week by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

“Wind power in the UK is driving a transformation in energy, to clean, affordable and flexible power that works hand in hand with exciting technologies of the future like storage and electric vehicles.”

Pinchbeck renewed RUK’s call for the government to lift its shutout of onshore wind from national procurement mechanisms.